Lash adjuster body

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a lash adjuster body, comprising A lash adjuster body, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity includes an inner surface configured to accommodate an insert and a spring; and the cavity is fabricated through forging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to bodies for valve lifters, and particularly to valve lifters used in combustion engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Valve lifter bodies are known in the art and are used in camshaft internal combustion engines. Valve lifter bodies open and close valves that regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,009 to Brothers, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, valve lifters are typically fabricated through machining. Col. 8, 11. 1-3. However, machining is inefficient, resulting in increased labor and decreased production.

[0003] The present invention is directed to overcoming this and other disadvantages inherent in prior-art lifter bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. Briefly stated, the present invention relates to a lash adjuster body, comprising A lash adjuster body, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity includes an inner surface configured to accommodate an insert and a spring; and the cavity is fabricated through forging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0006]FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0007]FIG. 3 depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0008]FIG. 4 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0009]FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0010]FIG. 6 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0011]FIG. 7 depicts a third embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0012]FIG. 8 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0013]FIG. 9 depicts a fourth embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0014]FIG. 10 depicts a fourth embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0015]FIG. 11 depicts a fifth embodiment of a lash adjuster body.

[0016]FIG. 12 depicts a lash adjuster body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show a lash adjuster body 10 constituting a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The valve lifter 10 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is an alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal includes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and the present invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to one embodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. In another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a medium carbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a high carbon steel.

[0019] Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metal is a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the present invention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the valve lifter 10 is composed of pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the valve lifter 10 is composed of austenitic material. According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is a ferritic material.

[0020] The body 20 is composed of a plurality of shaft elements. According to one aspect of the present invention, the shaft element is cylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the present invention, the shaft element is conical in shape. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the shaft element is solid. According to still another aspect of the present invention, the shaft element is hollow.

[0021]FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention composed of a plurality of shaft elements. FIG. 1 shows the body, generally designated 20. The body 20 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metal wire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of shaft elements. The body 20 includes a hollow shaft element 21 and a solid shaft element 22. In the preferred embodiment, the solid shaft element 22 is located adjacent to the hollow shaft element 21.

[0022] The body 20 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts. According to one aspect of the present invention, the body 20 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as that disclosed in “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. According to another aspect of the present invention, the body 20 accommodates a push rod seat (not shown). According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the body 20 accommodates a metering socket such as that disclosed in “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] The body 20 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces and inner surfaces. FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the body 20 is provided with an outer surface 80 which is configured to be inserted into another body. According to one aspect of the present invention, the outer surface 80 is configured to be inserted into a roller lifter body such as that disclosed in Applicant's “Valve Lifter Body,” application Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. According to another aspect of the present invention, the outer surface 80 is configured to be inserted into a roller follower such as that disclosed in Applicant's “Roller Follower Body,” application Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 17, 2002.

[0024] The outer surface 80 encloses a plurality of cavities. As depicted in FIG. 2, the outer surface 80 encloses a cavity 30. The cavity 30 is configured to cooperate with a plurality of inserts. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cavity 30 is configured to cooperate with a leakdown plunger. According to another aspect of the present invention, the cavity 30 is configured to cooperate with a metering socket. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the cavity 30 is configured to cooperate with a push rod. According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, the cavity is configured to cooperate with a push rod seat.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the body 20 of the present invention is provided with a cavity 30 that includes an opening 31. The opening 31 is in a circular shape. The cavity 30 is provided with an inner surface 40.

[0026] The inner surface 40 includes a plurality of surfaces. According to one aspect of the present invention, the inner surface 40 includes a cylindrical surface. According to another aspect of the present invention, the inner surface 40 includes a conical or frustoconical surface.

[0027] As depicted in FIG. 2, the inner surface 40 is provided with a first cylindrical surface 41, preferably concentric relative to the outer surface 80. Adjacent to the first cylindrical surface is a conical surface 42. Adjacent to the conical surface 42 is a second cylindrical surface 43. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inner surface 40 can be fabricated without the conical surface 42.

[0028]FIG. 3 depicts a cut-away view of the present invention. The inner surface 40 is provided with a first cylindrical surface 41. The first cylindrical surface 41 abuts an annular surface 44 with an annulus 45. The annulus 45 defines a second cylindrical surface 42.

[0029] The present invention is fabricated through a plurality of processes. According to one aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster body 20 is machined. According to another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster body 20 is forged. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the lash adjuster body 20 is fabricated through casting. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is forged. As used herein, the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” is intended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “cold heading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.”

[0030] The preferred embodiment is forged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, for example, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well.

[0031] The process of forging the preferred embodiment begins with a metal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire or rod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire or rod is run through a series of dies or extrusions.

[0032] The cavity 30 is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After the cavity 30 has been extruded, the cavity 30 is forged. The cavity 30 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and a forming pin.

[0033] Alternatively, the body 20 is fabricated through machining. As used herein, machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drilling machine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining is accomplished by first feeding the body 20 into a chucking machine, such as an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other machines and other manufacturers of automatic chucking machines can be used.

[0034] To machine the cavity 30, the end containing the opening 31 is faced so that it is substantially flat. The cavity 30 is bored. Alternatively, the cavity 30 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.

[0035] After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material.

[0036] After heat-treating, the cavity 30 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cavity 30 can be ground using other grinding machines.

[0037]FIG. 4 depicts the inner surface 40 provided with a well 50. The well 50 is shaped to accommodate a spring 60. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the well 50 is cylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the inner surface 40. The cylindrical shape of the well 50 is preferably concentric relative to the outer surface 80. The well 50 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die pin.

[0038] Alternatively, the well 50 is machined by boring the well 50 in a chucking machine. Alternatively, the well 50 can be drilled and then profiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oil quenching the material. After heat-treating, the well 50 is ground using an internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the well 50 can be ground using other grinding machines.

[0039] Adjacent to the well 50, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 is provided with a conically-shaped lead surface 46 which can be fabricated through forging or machining. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without the lead surface 46.

[0040]FIG. 5 depicts a view of the opening 31 that reveals the inner surface 40 of an embodiment of the present invention. The inner surface 40 is provided with a first cylindrical surface 41. The well 46 is defined by a second cylindrical surface 43. As shown in FIG. 5, the second cylindrical surface 43 is concentric relative to the first cylindrical surface 41.

[0041] Depicted in FIG. 6 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the body 20 is provided with an outer surface 80. The outlet surface 80 includes a plurality of surfaces. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the outer surface 80 includes a cylindrical surface 81, an undercut surface 82, and a conical surface 83. As depicted in FIG. 6, the undercut surface 82 extends from one end of the body 20 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercut surface 82 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical surface 81.

[0042] The undercut surface 82 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the undercut surface 82 is fabricated through machining. Machining the undercut surface 82 is accomplished through use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as a Cincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then the undercut surface 82 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into the outer surface with minor alterations to the grinding wheel.

[0043] As depicted in FIG. 6, the conical surface 83 is located between the cylindrical surface and the undercut surface. The conical surface 83 is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, the conical surface 83 is fabricated through machining. Those with skill in the art will appreciate that the outer surface 80 can be fabricated without the conical surface 83 so that the cylindrical surface 81 and the undercut surface 82 abut one another.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of the present invention may be fabricated through a combination of machining, forging, and other methods of fabrication. By way of example and not limitation, the cavity 30 can be machined while the cavity 30 is forged. Conversely, the cavity 30 can be machined while the cavity is forged.

[0045] While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lash adjuster body, comprising: a) an outer surface, enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity includes an inner surface configured to accommodate an insert and a spring; and b) the cavity is fabricated through forging.
 2. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the cavity is provided with a well.
 3. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface includes a conical surface located between a first cylindrical surface and a second cylindrical surface.
 4. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface includes a first cylindrical surface abutting an annular surface that defines a second cylindrical surface.
 5. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface includes a first cylindrical surface concentric to a second cylindrical surface and a conical surface located thereinbetween.
 6. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface includes a first cylindrical surface concentric to a second cylindrical surface defined by an annular surface.
 7. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes an undercut surface fabricated through forging.
 8. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface is configured to be inserted into another body.
 9. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes a conical surface.
 10. A lash adjuster body according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes a plurality of conical and cylindrical surfaces.
 11. A lash adjuster body, comprising: a) a hollow shaft element configured to house an insert; and b) a solid shaft element located adjacent to the first hollow shaft element, wherein at least one of the shaft elements is fabricated through forging.
 12. A lash adjuster body according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the shaft elements is fabricated through machining.
 13. A lash adjuster body according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the hollow shaft elements defines a cavity including an inner surface.
 14. A lash adjuster body according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the hollow shaft elements defines a cavity including an inner surface which is configured to accommodate a spring.
 15. A lash adjuster body, comprising: a) an outer surface enclosing a cavity, wherein the outer surface includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces; and b) the cavity is fabricated through forging and contains a well.
 16. A lash adjuster body according to claim 15, wherein the outer surface includes a plurality of depressions.
 17. A lash adjuster body according to claim 15, wherein the outer surface includes a plurality of depressions and at least one depression defines a hole.
 18. A lash adjuster body according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the cylindrical surfaces is fabricated through machining.
 19. A lash adjuster body according to claim 15, wherein the outer surface defines a hole fabricated through forging.
 20. A lash adjuster body according to claim 15, wherein the outer surface defines a hole fabricated through machining. 